News List

Nov. 22, 2013
Here is the latest edition of Week In Review - a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on events at City Hall.

Shoe Drive Wrapup

Representatives from the City of Richardson and NETWORK of Community Ministries joined Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins to celebrate the “Gathering Soles for NETWORK” shoe drive that was held in conjunction with “Ask Not…the Dallas County Day of Service.”

Officials from the NETWORK of Community Ministries, the City of Richardson and other partners in the “Gathering Soles for NETWORK” shoe drive celebrated the conclusion of the campaign on Thursday at NETWORK. More than 1,800 pairs of shoes were donated by members of the Richardson community during the three-week drive.

NETWORK; the City of Richardson; Methodist Richardson Medical Center; Texas Instruments; Richland College; Richardson Girl Scout Troops 2120, 2477 and 9409; and the University of Texas at Dallas Office of Student Volunteerism were partners on the shoe drive. Donated shoes will be distributed through the Richardson-North Dallas Family Clothing Center, operated by NETWORK.

The "Gathering Soles for NETWORK” shoe drive was held in conjunction with “Ask Not…the Dallas County Day of Service,” which is bringing communities throughout Dallas County together to honor the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy during the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his death.

Thanksgiving Holiday ScheduleIn recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, City facilities and services will operate according to the following schedule.

Sanitation Schedule/Recycle Make Up DaysThere will be NO solid waste pick up or special pick up Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29.

Recycle collection days affected by holiday

Make-up days

Thursday, Nov. 28

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Friday, Nov. 29

Saturday, Nov. 30

Council Reviews 2013 Mosquito Control Program

Only one human case of West Nile virus was reported in Richardson in 2013, compared to 14 cases the previous year, thanks in part to changes to the City's Mosquito Control Program implemented this spring in an attempt to decrease the spread of the disease, which is carried by mosquitoes. The City Council reviewed the 2013 Mosquito Control Program at a Monday work session.

Changes to the program included a 300 percent increase in mosquito surveillance, with 12 permanent sites tested weekly. The lab returned results in one or two days, much quicker than in previous years. The City also increased public outreach on the topic, ground sprayed in affected areas two nights in a row and used new tools to reduce mosquito populations, including fish that eat mosquito larvae.

The Health Department will monitor mosquitoes year-round, and the changes made in 2013 will become permanent. The City is considering an administrative fee of $250 for abatement of stagnant pools, a prime location for mosquito breeding.

Christmas Parade Registration Deadline Next Week
Wednesday at 5 p.m. is the deadline to register for the 42nd annual Christmas Parade, benefiting the NETWORK of Community Ministries. This year’s theme is Candy Canes and Christmas Carols, and groups of all ages and interests are encouraged to participate. The entry fee is a donation of a new, unwrapped toy(s) or monetary gift for NETWORK.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 7 and travel north on Plano Road from Richardson Square to Apollo Road. U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson, a decorated war hero and native Texan, will serve as the grand marshal.

Awards for the best entries will be presented at 5 p.m. Dec. 7, prior to the City’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and opening of Santa’s Village.

Gobble Hobble to Take Place Saturday
The eighth annual Gobble Hobble 5K will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Galatyn Plaza. The 3.1-mile race will benefit The Counseling Place, a nonprofit victims’ assistance organization that provides free or low-cost advocacy for victims, youth programs and counseling services for those in need.

The event also includes a Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. and a Kid Zone with activities for children. Register online at bit.ly/1aD02zi for $30. Learn more at gobblehobble.com.

The Richardson Fire Department is conducting a toy drive through Dec. 13 to benefit NETWORK of Community Ministries. New and gently used toys for children of all ages may be dropped off at any of the Richardson Fire Stations, City Hall or the Service Center.

Non-perishable food items may also be donated for NETWORK’s food pantry.

Flipside: The Patti Page Story at Eisemann Center
“Flipside: The Patti Page Story” will be performed at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Eisemann Center. The production, part of the Eisemann Center Presents MainStage Shows series, uses classic music and gorgeous costumes to tell the story of Patti Page, the best-selling female artist of the 1950s.
The Richardson Animal Shelter will have adoptable dogs on site to visit with patrons from 7 to 8 p.m. before the show. Guests are encouraged to bring donations for the Animal Shelter, including food, toys and monetary gifts. View a wish list of items for the Shelter at tinyurl.com/RASWishlist.

Tickets cost $32 to $49 and are available at eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972-744-4650. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more persons.

Monday is Final Chance to Drop Off Boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Richardson’s drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child is at Trinity Bible Church, 400 W. Campbell Rd. The final National Collection Week days and hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

Donors can use an empty shoebox or a small plastic container. The box can be wrapped (lid wrapped separately), but wrapping is not required. The donor determines whether their gift will be for a boy or girl and the child’s age category. The boxes may be filled with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

Operation Christmas Child requests a $7 donation for each shoebox to help cover shipping costs. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Registration for Dec. 14 Mixed Media Arts & Crafts Workshop Begins Nov. 26
Registration for the next Mixed Media Arts & Crafts Workshop begins Nov. 26. The Richardson Public Library will host the workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Basement Program Room. The free event is for adults and teens age 15 and older. To register, call 972-744-4376 and leave your name and phone number.

Richardson Animal Shelter Pet of the WeekMeet Sky! A beautiful and bouncy girl who would love to be your new best fur-friend! She is about 8 months old, spayed, fully vaccinated, heartworm negative, good with pets and older kids. Please help her find a home for the holidays!